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HOLYOKE – A Springfield man broke a local man’s skull with a hammer and the victim was recovering after surgery, police said Tuesday.

William Delgado, 26, of 14 Berard Circle, Springfield, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault with intent to commit a crime (murder), Capt. Arthur R. Monfette said.

Delgado turned himself in to police early Tuesday, and the motive for the late-Monday hammer attack was under investigation, Monfette said. Delgado was scheduled to be in Holyoke District Court Tuesday, but arraignment information was unavailable.

Under investigation is whether the incident occurred inside 176 West St. or outdoors near there, Monfette said.

The 50-year-old victim was taken first to Holyoke Medical Center and then to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, where he underwent surgery for several skull fractures and was recovering, Monfette said.

Police were called to the scene at 11:24 p.m. on Monday. The victim appeared to have been struck on the head several times, Monfette said. The hammer has yet to be recovered, he said.